Economic Development is not just about industrial development; it is about quality of life.
Last Fall, the GBA hosted a breakfast event discussing unique aspects of Gaston County that draw development to our area.
Among several highlighted was the Carolina Thread Trail, and it’s economic impact.
Lowell City Council voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Gaston County to accept bids on two new sections of Carolina Thread Trail.Â
Why it matters: The move comes after both parties received Carolina Thread Trail 2023 implementation grants.Â
By the numbers: The county was awarded more than $92,000, and the city of Lowell received more than $128,000 toward the project.
Lowell’s trail segment will begin at River Heights Subdivision. It will pass through the future Lowell River Front Park. Â
Picking up from George Poston, the trail will continue to the base of Spencer Mountain and future phases will take the trails all the way to the summit.
The new trail segments are part of a larger trail plan that has been in the works since 2008 according to Carolina Thread Community Coordinator Ashton Lamb.
What's next: Project planners have been working on installing public art exhibitions along the mixed-used path.
The trail will be paved in parts, gravel or natural in others, and some spots will have boardwalks.Â